These are the 38 most affordable online master's degrees in data science. Most of these schools' tuition rates are below the average cost of a college education. For your convenience, we've sorted them in descending order of cost, with the least expensive school at #1, according to the hourly, online tuition rate. In cases where only the quarterly or semester rate was available, we have divided that rate by 6 (standard full-time graduate enrollment) and placed them accordingly on the list.

Unfortunately, only a limited number of master's degrees in data science degree programs are available online. Therefore it was not possible to compile a pool of options large enough to justify a multifactorial ranking system in which scoring of colleges and universities would be based on a list of specific considerations. Instead, we ranked the programs solely according to their affordability. See below for the best cheap master's degrees in data science degrees online, ranked from least to most expensive, according to their per credit hour online rate, along with several useful facts about each program.

#1 – Georgia Tech

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology tops this list of cheap Master's in Data Science.

Online Master of Science in Analytics

Georgia Tech has an online master of science in analytics degree that is a 36 credit hour program that offers three tracks: analytical tools; computational analytics; and business analytics. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the program asks that applicants have completed coursework in calculus, computing, and statistics. Georgia Tech charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $275 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#2 – Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Dakota State University was established in 1881.

Online Master of Science in Analytics

Dakota State University has an online master of science in analytics degree that is a 30 credit hour program that offers four specializations: business; healthcare analytics; information systems; and general. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the program requests that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Dakota State University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $450.90 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#3 – University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

The University of West Florida's school colors are Blue and Green.

Master of Science in Computer Science – Database Systems Online

The University of West Florida has an online master of science in computer science – database systems degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in data mining and database systems. With a student to faculty ratio of 22 to 1, "the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials." The University of West Florida charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $478.83 per credit hour for students who qualify for the out of state tuition waiver. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#4 – Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Western Governors University is a private entity that was founded in 1997.

Online Master of Science in Data Analytics

Western Governors University has an online master of science in data analytics degree that is a 10 course program that includes certification in Oracle Database SQL, SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9, and SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9. With a student to faculty ratio of 41 to 1, the program will waive certain coursework for people with any of the above certifications. Western Governors University offers a full-time, graduate rate of $3,490 per semester. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#5 – Colorado State University-Global Campus

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Colorado State University-Global Campus has been an independent entity since 2005.

Online Master of Science in Data Analytics

Colorado State University has an online master of science in data analytics degree that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in business analytics and data warehousing. With a student to faculty ratio of 32 to 1, the program will provisionally admit some students from unrelated academic backgrounds, but they may need to take extra courses. Colorado State University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $500 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#6 – Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Grand Canyon University's school mascot is the Antelope.

Online Master of Science in Health Informatics

Grand Canyon University has an online master of science in health informatics degree that is a 42 credit hour program that includes coursework in foundations of informatics and healthcare data management. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the program welcomes candidates from all academic backgrounds. Grand Canyon University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $515 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#7 – Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon

Oregon State University's school mascot is the Beaver.

Master of Science in Data Analytics Online

Oregon State University has an online master of science in data analytics degree that is a 45 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in time series analytics and multivariate analytics. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program asks that candidates "have an understanding of study design, probability distributions, and the fundamentals of confidence intervals and hypothesis tests." Oregon State University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $538 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#8 – University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas was established in 1871.

Online Professional Master of Information Systems

The University of Arkansas has an online professional master of information systems degree that is a 30 credit hour program including coursework in enterprise computing platforms and data modeling. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program waives the GMAT requirement for applicants with more than five years of professional experience. The University of Arkansas charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $573.14 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#9 – Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue University was established in 1966.

Online Master of Science in Data Science

Bellevue University has an online master of science in data science degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in data preparation and Big Data. With a student to faculty ratio of 31 to 1, the program asks that applicants have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for their last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Bellevue University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $575 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#10 – Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Technical University was established in 1965.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science – Data Science

Colorado Technical University has an online master of science in computer science – data science degree that is a 48 credit hour program that includes coursework in data warehouse and algorithms for data science. With a student to faculty ratio of 28 to 1, applicants are encouraged who "have an intermediate level of ability to program in a current object-oriented programming language such as C++ or Java." Colorado Technical University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $585 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#11 – University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

The University of Illinois enters competitions as the Fighting Illini.

Online Master of Computer Science in Data Science

The University of Illinois has an online master of computer science in data science degree that is a 32 credit hour program that includes coursework in applied machine learning and cloud computing concepts. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the program is looking for applicants with sufficient background in computer programming, data structures, and algorithms. The University of Illinois charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $600 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges

#12 – Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University was established in 1932.

Online Master of Science in Data Analytics

Southern New Hampshire University has an online master of science in data analytics degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in predictive analytics and foundations of data. With a student to faculty ratio of 30 to 1, the program requires submission of a professional resume with the application packet. Southern New Hampshire University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $627 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#13 – University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

The University of Washington is represented on fields of competition by the Huskies.

Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies

The University of Washington has an online master of science in clinical informatics and patient-centered technologies degree that is a 49 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in systems design and healthcare information systems. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the program asks that applicants have at least one year of healthcare experience, preferably clinical. The University of Washington charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $642 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#14 – Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Northeastern University was established in 1898.

Master of Professional Studies in Analytics Online

Northeastern University has an online master of professional studies in analytics degree that is a 45 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in data-driven decision making and enterprise information architecture. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the program does not ask for a GRE or GMAT score. Northeastern University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $646 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#15 – University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Connecticut

The University of Bridgeport was established in 1927.

Online Master of Science in Analytics and Systems

The University of Bridgeport has an online master of science in analytics and systems degree that is a 30 credit hour program including coursework in knowledge management and project management. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the program requests two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The University of Bridgeport charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $650 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#16 – Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University is referred to by those in the know, as "the Rock."

Online Master of Science in Data Analytics

Slippery Rock University has an online master of science in data analytics degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in statistical methods and optimization models. With a student to faculty ratio of 22 to 1, the program requires prerequisite coursework in inferential statistics and integral calculus. Slippery Rock University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $671.50 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#17 – University of Maryland University College

Adelphi, Maryland

The University of Maryland University College was founded in 1947.

Online Master of Science in Data Analytics

The University of Maryland University College has an online master of science in data analytics degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in prescriptive analytics and data mining. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the program is looking for candidates who have industry certification. The University of Maryland University College charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $694 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#18 – Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University is a land-grant institution that was founded under the Morrill Act.

Online Master of Science in Applied Statistics

Oklahoma State University has an online master of science in applied statistics degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in multivariate methods and experimental design. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the program asks that students have a calculus and computing background. Oklahoma State University charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $720.75 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#19 – Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

The Maryville University of Saint Louis does athletic battle under the name of the Saints.

Online Master of Science in Business Data Analytics

Maryville University has an online master of science in business data analytics degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in database principles and data mining. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the program asks for a personal letter explaining your qualifications for their graduate program. Maryville University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $765 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#20 – Emporia State University

Emporia, Kansas

Emporia State University was established in 1863.

Online Master of Science in Informatics

Emporia State University has an online master of science in informatics degree that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in database design and information retrieval. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program is looking for candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Emporia State University charges a non-resident, graduate, tuition rate of $788.50 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#21 – Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

Online Master of Science in Business Analytics

Lewis University has an online master of science in business analytics degree that is a 36 credit hour program that offers four specializations: marketing analytics; financial analytics; healthcare analytics; and operations analytics. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the program is looking for candidates with an undergraduate GPA above 3.0 and two recommendation forms. Lewis University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $800 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#22 – DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois

DePaul University is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

Online Master of Science in Data Science

DePaul University has an online master of science in data science degree that is a 52 graduate quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in Python programming and fundamentals of data science. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the program is looking for candidates with related professional experience. DePaul University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $835 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#23 – Penn State University

University Park, Pennsylvania

Penn State University's school motto is "Making Life Better."

Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics Online

Penn State University has an online master of professional studies in data analytics degree that is a 30 credit hour program including coursework in data mining and extraction. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the programs give preference to those with undergraduate degrees in quantitative fields like engineering. Penn State University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $930 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#24 – Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut

Quinnipiac University's school mascot is the Bobcat.

Master of Science in Business Analytics Online

Quinnipiac University has an online master of science in business analytics degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in text mining and data visualization. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the program asks for three letters of recommendation, including one from a professional contact. Quinnipiac University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $935 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#25 – Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Arizona State University's school mascot is the Sun Devil.

Online Master of Science in Information Management

Arizona State University has an online master of science in information management degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in emerging technologies and information-enabled business modeling. With a student to faculty ratio of 23 to 1, the program requires two letters of recommendation and a current resume. Arizona State University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,021 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#26 – West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia University is the flagship institution of higher learning for the Mountaineer State.

Online Master of Science in Business Data Analytics

West Virginia University has an online master of science in business data analytics degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in data collection and business simulation modeling. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the program is looking for candidates with a "strong academic record." West Virginia University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,023 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#27 – Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Saint Joseph's University is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics

Saint Joseph's University has an online master of science in business intelligence and analytics degree that is a 30 credit hour program that offers four tracks: cyber analytics; data analytics; general business intelligence; and programming languages. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the program will waive the GRE/GMAT requirement in some cases. Saint Joseph's University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,043 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#28 – University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

The University of Missouri is also known as "Mizzou."

Online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

The University of Missouri has an online master of science in data science and analytics degree that is a 34 credit hour program that includes coursework in biotechnology and data journalism. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the program is looking for applicants who maintained a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. The University of Missouri charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,057.53 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#29 – Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marquette University was established in 1881.

Online Master of Health Care Analytics

Marquette University has an online master of healthcare analytics degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in advanced database systems and the environment of healthcare delivery. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, that program says that students may include a CV or two letters of recommendation with their application. Marquette University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,100 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#30 – Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Northwestern University almost unionized their football team.

Online Master of Science in Information Design and Strategy

Northwestern University has an online master of science in information design and strategy degree that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in user-centered design and data management principles. With a student to faculty ratio of 7 to 1, the program is looking for applicants with "strong academic ability." Northwestern University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,137 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#31 – Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts

Brandeis University is named for the first Jewish Justice of the US Supreme Court.

Online Master of Science in Strategic Analytics

Brandeis University has an online master of science in strategic analytics degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in the foundations of data science and predictive analytics. With a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1, the program asks for a resume, statement of goals, and one letter of recommendation. Brandeis University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,179 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#32 – Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana University was established in 1820.

Master of Science in Data Science Online

Indiana University-Bloomington has an online master of science in data science degree that is a 30 credit hour program including coursework in data engineering and visualization. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the program requires a bachelor's or master's degree for entry. Indiana University-Bloomington charges an out of state, graduate tuition rate of $1,360.92 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#33 – Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876.

Online Master of Science in Data Science

Johns Hopkins University has an online master of science in data science degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in an introduction to Python and discrete mathematics. With a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1, the program requires previous coursework in multivariate calculus and data structures. Johns Hopkins University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,416.66 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#34 – Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse University's school mascot is the Orangemen.

Master of Science in Information Management Online

Syracuse University has an online master of science in information management degree that is a 42 quarter credit hour program that offers three tracks: management approaches and strategies; technological infrastructure; and user information needs. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the program asks for two letters of recommendation and a 500-word personal statement. Syracuse University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,559 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#35 – University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

The University of Kentucky's school mascot is the Wildcat.

Online Master of Applied Statistics

The University of Kentucky has an online master of applied statistics degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in regression modeling and design of experiments. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the program weights the quantitative GRE score heavily in admissions decisions. The University of Kentucky charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,644 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#36 – University of Alabama at Huntsville

Huntsville, Alabama

The University of Alabama Huntsville was established in 1950.

Online Master of Science in Information Systems

The University of Alabama at Huntsville has an online master of science in information systems degree that is a 30 credit hour program that includes coursework in modern systems analysis and enterprise resource planning. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, the program "prepares students to enter the information systems and technology (IS/T) profession in a wide variety of positions." The University of Alabama at Huntsville charges an online, out of state graduate tuition rate of $1,655 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#37 – American University

Washington, District of Columbia

American University was established in 1893.

Online Master of Science in Analytics

American University has an online master of science in analytics degree that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in applied managerial statistics and predictive analytics. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the program asks for a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. American University charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,708 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#38 – University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee began life as a Normal School for the training of teachers.

Master of Science in Health Care Informatics Online

The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee has an online master of science in healthcare informatics degree that is a 32 credit hour program that includes coursework in biomedical database applications and computational intelligence in health informatics. With a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program requires a GRE score submission but does not specify a particular academic background for applicants. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee charges an online, out of state, graduate tuition rate of $2,017.15 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

This concludes the list of the 38 cheapest online master's of data science for 2019.